Statistics Botswana’s latest Work Permits Holders report for the second quarter of 2023 shows a marginal decline in foreign workers in the country. As of June 2023, 3,390 individuals held valid work permits, a one percent decrease from 4,810 recorded in March 2023, according to data from the Department of Labour and Social Security.
The report highlights that Agriculture remains the leading sector, employing 18.8 percent of permit holders, followed by Education at 19.7 percent. Among employee permit holders, Elementary Occupations topped the list, accounting for 34 percent of permits, while Professionals made up 30.1 percent. New permit holders were predominantly in Elementary roles, securing 41.7 percent of new permits, with Professionals holding 9%.
The 40-44 age group was the largest, representing 16.7 percent of permit holders, with men dominating across most sectors. The report notes that some permit data was submitted late, meaning certain records will be reflected in subsequent publications. This delay underscores the challenge of real-time data capture for policy planning.
The latest labour data comes at a time when Botswana’s economy, driven by mining, tourism, and agriculture, had a sharp contraction of approximately –3.0 percent in 2024. Facing this downturn, the IMF says it anticipates a growth slowing to one percent in 2024, with a rebound toward its 4 percent potential by the mid‑2020s.
In response, the government plans fiscal consolidation following a 2024 deficit exceeding 6–9 percent of GDP, and the IMF has emphasized structural reforms centered on private‑sector development, export diversification, and enhanced infrastructure.
